1 Thessalonians 5:12–28 (ESV)
Final Instructions and Benediction
12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you
and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle,
encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do
not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who
calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
25 Brothers, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27 I
put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
be with you.
Paul gives both his final instruction about leadership
and a benediction. Christians should support and encourage one another. We should respect the elders and leaders of our congregations because of their work for the Lord and the whole people of God. The Lord Jesus, by humbling Himself to the point of washing
His disciples’ feet, showed to us the love He has for all believers.
I
pray: Lord, give us Your heart and mind so that our life may be blameless, respecting and loving others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.[1]